firework
noun
John UpdikePeople WeeklyTayi Sanusi
Did you know?
The word fireworks burst upon the scene in the 1500s as a reference to military explosives (a sense that is now obsolete). These explosives were originally used as weapons, of course, but soon they were also being used in explosive displays celebrating victory or peace. By 1575 people were oohing and aahing over "fireworks shewed upon the water; the which were both strange and wel [sic] executed." Figurative uses have been popping up ever since the 1600s. In addition to the angry explosion sense, fireworks can also refer to a spectacular display of musical, visual, or verbal brilliance, as in "an outstanding album, bursting with spectacular musical fireworks."
Synonyms
Examples of firework in a Sentence
Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 4 Apr. 2024
See Me Festival, where there will be a line-up of events like a parade, tailgate party, fireworks extravaganza and more.
—Jody MacE, Charlotte Observer, 3 Apr. 2024
Another sideshow with fireworks and cars spinning donuts took place near Hercules, on Franklin Canyon Road near the golf course.
—Judith Prieve, The Mercury News, 2 Apr. 2024
There are two kinds of people in this world: Those that love bone-shaking, ear-splitting spectacles, like fireworks and arena-sized heavy metal concerts, and those who want nothing more than to miss such events for a night on the couch with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate.
—Trish Deitch, Variety, 29 Mar. 2024
Some cities, including Charlotte, North Carolina and San Antonio, Texas, ended their contract with one of the vendors, ShotSpotter, because the systems mistook fireworks or motorcycle engines for gunfire, according to USA Today.
—Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 28 Mar. 2024
Knives, firearms, pepper spray, fireworks or weapons of any kind, including toy weapons.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 27 Mar. 2024
Repairs are expected to be done by mid-April and should not interfere with the fireworks from Thunder Over Louisville, officials said.
—The Courier-Journal, 14 Mar. 2024
This is the perfect place to grab a cocktail, like the Capa Gin and Tonic, and watch the fireworks from both Epcot and Magic Kingdom from the outdoor patio.
—Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 19 Mar. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'firework.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Articles Related to firework
Podcast
Theme music by Joshua Stamper ©2006 New Jerusalem Music/ASCAP
Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!
Dictionary Entries Near firework
Cite this Entry
“Firework.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/firework. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy Citation
Kids Definition
firework
noun
More from Merriam-Webster on firework
Nglish: Translation of firework for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of firework for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about firework
Share